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Introduction to the Degree Symbol and Its Usage
The degree symbol (°) is a common symbol used in a variety of fields, from science and engineering to weather forecasting and even cooking. It is used to indicate temperature, angles, and geographical coordinates, among other things. While typing the degree symbol on a Mac might seem challenging, it is actually a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. In this article, we will explore three methods for typing the degree symbol on a Mac.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Type the Degree Symbol on Mac
The easiest and quickest way to type the degree symbol on a Mac is by using keyboard shortcuts. This method allows you to type the symbol without having to navigate through menus or search for it in the Character Viewer. To use keyboard shortcuts to type the degree symbol, follow these simple steps:
- Position your cursor where you want to insert the degree symbol in your document.
- Press and hold the “Option” key on your keyboard.
- While still holding the “Option” key, press the “Shift” key.
- While holding down both the “Option” and “Shift” keys, type the number “8” on your keyboard.
- Release all the keys, and the degree symbol (°) will appear at the cursor’s position.
This keyboard shortcut is a quick and easy way to insert the degree symbol into any document on your Mac. It is especially useful for anyone who needs to type the symbol frequently and wants to avoid the hassle of searching for it in the Character Viewer or Emoji & Symbols menu. With a little practice, you can quickly type the degree symbol on your Mac using this simple method.
Method 2: Using the Character Viewer to Insert the Degree Symbol on Mac
If you are unable to use the keyboard shortcut or prefer a visual interface to insert the degree symbol, the Character Viewer is a useful tool that can help. The Character Viewer is a built-in feature of Mac OS that allows you to browse and select various symbols, including the degree symbol. To use the Character Viewer to insert the degree symbol, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Edit” menu in any text editing application.
- Select “Emoji & Symbols” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Character Viewer window, click on the “Symbols” category on the left-hand side.
- Scroll down until you find the degree symbol (°).
- Double-click on the degree symbol, and it will be inserted into your document at the cursor’s position.
Using the Character Viewer to insert the degree symbol may take a little longer than using the keyboard shortcut, but it is still a straightforward and efficient method. Additionally, the Character Viewer is a great tool for finding and inserting other symbols, so it is worth exploring if you frequently work with symbols and special characters.